Salary Comparison

iOS Developer Salary:
Boston, MA vs Washington DC, DC

Side-by-side gross salary, after-tax take-home pay, and purchasing power comparison. Updated June 2026.

Boston, MA
$194,041
/ year
+1%
difference
Washington DC, DC
$192,364
/ year
Bottom line: Boston wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Boston
Washington DC
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$194,041✓ higher
$192,364
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$125,485✓ higher
$124,401
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$300,050✓ higher
$297,457
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$129,769✓ higher
$128,629
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$138,601✓ higher
$135,468
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.40×✓ lower
1.42×
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$125,485✓ higher
$124,401
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$300,050✓ higher
$297,457

What if you move from Boston to Washington DC?

Gross salary change
$1,677
1% decrease
Take-home change
$1,140
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
$3,133
equivalent real income

Take-home pay is estimated using 2024 US federal tax brackets (single filer) + 7.65% FICA, or a blended international effective rate. Purchasing power converts gross salary to an equivalent in a US median cost-of-living city (index 1.00×). Full methodology →

Salary Range Comparison

Boston, MA$194,041
P10: $125,485Median: $194,041P90: $300,050
Washington DC, DC$192,364
P10: $124,401Median: $192,364P90: $297,457

More iOS Developer salary comparisons

Boston vs New YorkBoston vs Los AngelesBoston vs ChicagoBoston vs HoustonBoston vs PhoenixBoston vs PhiladelphiaAll iOS Developer salaries →

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a iOS Developer earn more in Boston or Washington DC?

The median iOS Developer salary in Boston, MA is $194,041/yr compared to $192,364/yr in Washington DC, DC. Boston pays 1% more in gross terms.

▶Is a iOS Developer salary worth more in Boston or Washington DC after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Boston salary has the purchasing power of $138,601/yr in a median-cost city, vs $135,468/yr for Washington DC. Boston offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a iOS Developer in Boston vs Washington DC?

After estimated taxes, a iOS Developer in Boston, MA takes home approximately $129,769/yr, vs $128,629/yr in Washington DC, DC. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.